A shortage of fish continues to be a challenge for the StarKist Samoa cannery in Pago Pago.
Photo: supplied
The cannery which employs more than 2000 people in the territory closes intermittently because of a lack of supply.
StarKist Samoa official Taotasi Archie Soliai told a meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council the number of vessels that provide albacore for the cannery have reduced from about 60 to 14.
"There was a shortage in 2016, and into 2017 and in the first quarter of 2018 we're experiencing shortages with albacore supply as well."
Taotasi said limited freezer space for fish was also a challenge for the company.
One of its two freezers is being upgraded and expected to be ready in May this year.
Some purse seiners remain docked at the Port of Pago Pago for weeks waiting to unload their catch.